Project Management Institute – Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification is the most prestigious Certification of our time. It brings not just confidence to the individual but more so to organizations engaging in projects. Many professionals now realize the advantages and benefits that this certification brings. (See my blog Career Advantages of being PMP® Certified.)
Now you want to take the exam, and be part of this prestigious roster of Project Managers. Question is, are you ready to take the PMP Certification Exam? Here’s your quick checklist and some tips to find out.
- Bachelor Degree (or higher) – any course is accepted
- 35 Hours of Project Management Education (also called ‘contact hours’) – preferably executed by PMI R.E.P.’s (Registered Education provider) to be sure that the education acquired is aligned with PMI standards. Find R.E.P. in your area here.
- 4,500 hours leading and directing projects – PMI counts only the standard 40 hours/week, thus to complete the required hours a minimum of 2.5 – 3 years project experience. Forget your experience that is beyond 3 years to focus on what can be included to complete this requirement. Hours are divided into project phases as follows: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.
Upon submission (on-line) via PMI website. A normal turn-around time of 7-10 days will finalize your eligibility to take the exam. PMI will revert to you via email informing you if you are approved to take the exam, at times PMI conducts an audit based on your submitted credentials.
Be ready with your $555 payment for non-members or a discounted rate of $405 for PMI members. Membership fee is $129 ($119 for renewals) and $20 for local chapter membership. So use the $150 discount to be a member (you save $1 doing this ?) and get a complimentary copy of the latest Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK®) which is the official reference for the PMI Certification Exam. Other membership perks are discussed in a separate blog that I wrote.
Lastly, while it is an option to self-study for the exam taking a review course from a reputable course provider (preferably R.E.P.) is highly recommended. It cuts your study time by folds and gives you a higher chance of passing this very tricky exam. Practitioners most often than not find it difficult to squeeze in study time with the many things that they are juggling around, and it is always a challenge to focus which makes a good excuse when they fail the exam. ? Many end up not taking the exam because of the frustration of not being able to review properly and not feeling ready for the longest time. Since you are investing not only money but effort and time, it will be a wise idea to take a professional review course that will guide you and steer focus on your study/review for your certification that will forever change your career and even your personal life – your PMP Certified status.